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Physician Assistant Studies: Community Based PA Program

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

The UW-Madison Physician Assistant distance learning option is a rigorous three-year program that allows you to stay in your home community while completing the majority of your education.

Is this Program Right for You?

The UW-Madison Physician Assistant (PA) program’s distance learning option is a unique opportunity that makes PA education more accessible, especially if you are from a rural or urban underserved community. You will get deep clinical experience in your community, so you can better serve patients after graduation.

More than 80% of your PA education occurs in the place where you live, as you watch videos recorded in front of classes on the UW-Madison campus each week. As a distance student, you are required to spend the first summer semester on our UW-Madison campus as well as make two campus visits lasting three to four days each semester. This blended approach provides you with the flexibility to learn from home while creating supportive relationships with faculty and fellow students.

Wisconsin residents who meet admissions criteria and currently reside in a medically underserved community are given preference in our application process. Consideration will be given to all applicants expressing an interest in serving a medically underserved community or population.

Employment of PAs is projected to grow nearly 40% in the next decade. Aging populations, widespread chronic disease, and a shortage of physicians increase the demand for quality care provided by Physician Assistants.

The UW-Madison Physician Assistant Studies program is as demanding as most medical schools. Our courses are intense and difficult, but the rewards are profound—to you and to the people whom you seek to serve.

All applicants are advised to determine whether this program meets requirements for licensure in the state where they live. See the American Academy of Physician Assistants website for contact information for state licensing boards.